Hi guys recently had a vf 29 that the blades on the intake side started breaking off, this has knackered the engine. what causes this? bit paranoid now only had an api rebuild 18 months ago, now need another.

 

Have you got an air filter element in the air box?! Are all your intake hoses prior to the turbo's inlet intact and not split? Was the inlet hose to the turbo properly fitted, etc.?

It only takes tiny particles of debris getting into the intake to wear the blades, as the compressor wheel can reach speeds of c. 100,000rpm. Worn bits of metal then gets into the engine with terminal consequences.

You must get to the bottom of the cause of this, before shelling out on a rebuild/new engine...

 

Thanks for the reply is that the only reason they fail? i thought i read once that overboosting could cause this?

 

Rupz, How bad is the engine damage?? I am sure we can get it sorted for you without going to the cost of a full rebuild again.

It is not unusual for blades to snap off due to metal fatigue on VF22/23/24 But is not common in our experience on a 28 or 29.

Is there a possibility that some debris has got in and snapped off the blades??

What sort of engine damage? Usually the debris gets in the intercooler which becomes a throw away as they are difficult to guarantee proper cleaning and if any particles get left over kaboom all over again. Not too common for those bits to go right through the intercooler and into the engine though.

I have turbos and parts in stock if you want to call me.

Good [ better ] Luck - David APi

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www.apiengines.com

01926 614333

 

just traken the sump off and the bits of blade are in there. how has that happened?

 

What boost pressure were you running? You weren't overspeeding the compressor were you?